Business of the House

Richard Baker Excerpts

Thursday 8th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I will absolutely join my hon. Friend in recognising the legacy of Colin Brookes, and I extend my sympathies to his family and friends. Grassroots sport is an important part of our local communities. I thank Mr Brookes for his contribution not just to his local football club, but to the wider local community, and for the very positive impact that he had on the lives of people in his local area.

[Richard Baker (Glenrothes and Mid Fife) (Lab)]

Will the Leader of the House allocate time for a debate on tackling child poverty, and not only in the light of the Government’s decision to lift the two-child cap, but to recognise the vital work of the Multibank charity? That charity supports hundreds of children in my constituency, where the first Multibank was established by Gordon Brown and Bob Garmory, who most deservedly received an OBE in the new year’s honours list for his contributions to this amazing initiative.

[Sir Alan Campbell]

First, I congratulate Bob Garmory on his well-deserved OBE, which illustrates how vital the work my hon. Friend refers to really is. There will be ample time to debate child poverty when the legislation to remove the two-child benefit cap is considered by the House. At that time, we may see the disgraceful coalition that has been formed between the official Opposition and the Reform party not just in theory, but in practice. If they had their way, children in poverty would not get that help.